It is commonplace in New England to hear a tale or two about an event in history which forever changed a community.  The city of Fitchburg has is own story that sheds some light on its name and memorializes a man for his bravery.  John Fitch moved to Northfield Road (in what is now Fitchburg) in 1739 and maintained a garrison erected for the protection of the frontier.  All the exterior settlements were deserted, and John Fitch and his family remained in the line of defense.  On Tuesday, July 5, 1748, Indians made a sudden attack on the garrison and killed the two soldiers stationed there.  John Fitch was left to protect his wife and five children alone and, after a hopeless conflict, surrendered to the Indians.  The Fitch family was then taken into captivity and was forced to live and travel with the Indians until their return several months later.  To immortalize his bravery, the citizens name the new town "Fitchburg".